Muslims in Erie celebrate Feast of Sacrifice (Updated: 11:37 a.m.)

Men bow their heads in unison prayer to Allah during a service for Eid al-Adha, the Muslim Feast of Sacrifice at the Islamic Association of Erie Masjid in Erie on Oct 15. Eid al-Adha is the end of the observance of the pilgrimage to Mecca known as hajj. Muslims observe Eid al-Adha with community prayers and a feast. JARID A. BARRINGER/ERIE TIMES-NEWS

Hundreds of Muslims gathered this morning at an Erie mosque to celebrate Eid al-Adha.

The Feast of Sacrifice recalls a man's willingness to give up his child for God.

Muhammad Ahsan Baig, general secretary for the Islamic Association of Erie, said this eid is one of two major Islamic festivals.

He said the holiday is marked with prayer, new clothes, gifts and the sharing of meat with family, friends and the needy from an animal that has been sacrificed.

The holy day recalls the willingness of Ibrahim, known as Abraham to Christians and Jews, to sacrifice his son. Tradition says God gave Ibrahim a ram to sacrifice instead. Eid al-Adha also concludes the annual pilgrimage to Mecca known as hajj.